Cairo and me in our Indian clothes.  We need some good Indian food to go with these great outfits.

At Abu Dhabi Women's College with the ladies from Riverside.

Dinner at Emirates Palace

Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Emirates Palace, Spice Souk

Day 1: Camel Track at Dawn

Obama Speaks to Mulsim World

Brad and I had the opportunity to watch President Obama's speech, addressed to the Mulsim world, at the U.S. Ambassador's residence.  We were in the company of Diplomats and Ambassadors from all around the region.  It was amazing to watch and listen to our President speak so confidently and sincerely about his desires to focus more on what we have in common than on our differences.  

It is a great lesson I've gained from this experience of living in Abu Dhabi.  All of human-kind is really more alike than they are different.  The speech was very well received.  Many Diplomats spoke following the broadcast of the importance to get behind President Obama.  To trust him and to take this opportunity they have waited so long for to create a healthy relationship of trust among strong religious countries and individuals.

If you didn't hear the speech, it's worth listening.  

Lunch at Gunita's

Gunita cooked a scrumptious lunch, an Indian smorgasbord!

Her smashing outfit inspired all of us to take a "field trip" the following day to purchase beautiful embroidered cloth and take it to a tailor so we can all look a little more

  "Gunita". 

(Which is now an adjective as much as it is a name of a dear friend.)

Molly puts it best when describing Gunita as "Divine".

Thanks for the lunch, for sharing your culture and beauty and especially for your friendship.

I am going to miss ALL OF YOU

(Gunita, Becky, Yoca, Moi, Molly and Margo)

SO MUCH OF ME

IS MADE OF WHAT I LEARNED FROM YOU

YOU'LL BE WITH ME

LIKE A HANDPRINT ON MY HEART

AND NOW WHATEVER WAY OUR STORIES END

I KNOW YOU HAVE RE-WRITTEN MINE

BY BEING MY FRIEND...

(For Good - Broadway Musical Wicked)

A Farewell Tribute to Molly

There Aren't Words Enough..

How does one say "Thank You" to so many people who have each given something of themselves that changes that person for good?  

It's impossible.

Today was a day full of mixed emotions.  To be in a room full of amazing women.  Each with her own unique talents and beauty.  Each one has a story, a specialty, a reason for being in Abu Dhabi at this time and in this room.  They were all there to say "Farewell" to four of us who have to move on.  Our time has come.  Eventually it happens to all of us.  It's such a weird feeling to come into a strange country, lay down roots, build a life, create relationships that are surrogate families, all the while knowing (but denying) that one day you will have to say good-bye.  That day has come for 4 of us.  We were celebrated in style.  A huge group of generous women came to the Hilton for a lunch and chatting and lots of hugging and kissing on both cheeks and, of course, tears...Oh, there were tears.

As if all of that wasn't gift enough we were each given the gift of my dreams..

A CAMEL CROSSING SIGN!

I cannot think of a better parting gift.  The only thing better I will take with me is the friendships that have been made that will last a lifetime.  Thank you ladies!

And kiss, kiss, kiss...That's a right cheek kiss, a left cheek kiss and another on the right.  

(I will miss that tradition too.)

Michael and Paul's Birthday Party at the Shang-Ra-La

The girls.  The birthdays of two of the husbands was a great excuse to get together and enjoy the buffet and time spent with great friends.

POPCORN 911

Cute little Jack just wanted a bowl of popcorn.  Being the independent kid he is he just decided to make it himself.  He opened the bag of popcorn, poured it into the plastic bowl he usually eats it from and put it in the microwave for 

12 minutes.

It wasn't too long before the microwave and the plastic bowl were protesting this experience.  When the kids finally smelled smoke it was billowing out of the kitchen.  Flames were rising out of the microwave and the cupboards and fridge were starting to burn.

After some quick thinking on their part, the kids ran for help from the maintenance and security people.  They successfully put out the fire and carried out the burning microwave.  One less appliance to sell before we leave the country..Thankfully nobody got hurt.  Now we are just learning to live without the convenience of a microwave.  Things could be worse..